FEATURE

Olmsted’s Never-Built Retreat

EMPLOYEE

HIGHLIGHTS

What Sustainability Means 

to the AOC

Interning During COVID

SPOTLIGHT ON

SUSTAINABILITY
2 

4 12

6

EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHTS SPOTLIGHT ON SUSTAINABILITY

EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHTS:

INTERNING DURING COVID

ORGANIZATIONAL TRANSFORMATION: 

IMPROVING THE EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE

SPOTLIGHT ON SUSTAINABILITY:

WHAT SUSTAINABILITY MEANS TO 

THE AOC

4 12

8

TABLE OF

CONTENTS
THOLOS | VOLUME 20 3

14 14

FEATURE EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

FEATURE: 

OLMSTED’S NEVER-BUILT RETREAT

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION: 

KUDOS TO YOU

16 24

14 HEALTH UPDATE: 

COVID-19 REMINDERS

22

16 

TABLE OF

CONTENTS
W R I T T E N BY D R. G A N E L L A S M I T H 

ORGANIZATIONAL TRANSFORMATION

improving the 

employee 

experience
THOLOS | VOLUME 20 5

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) continues the organizational transformation intended to make us 

more efficient and transparent. These initiatives enable the agency to build a safer, more inclusive and 

more effective workplace. We recently:

• Launched newly defined agency core values — Respect, Integrity, Safety, Empower (RISE)

• Had over 300 employees participate in RISE training and campaign efforts

• Identified specific key initiatives that are important to the agency’s long-term success

This organizational transformation update is focused on the employee improvement and well-being 

initiatives: Human Capital Strategy, AOC University and Cultural Behaviors Transformation. 

HUMAN CAPITAL STRATEGY: ATTRACTING AND INCENTIVIZING 

THE BEST WORKFORCE

Over 200 staff throughout the agency and across workforce demographics participated in employee 

focus groups and/or interviews to determine how the AOC can enhance the employee experience and 

inform the development of our Human Capital Strategy. 

Feedback from employees at every level has been consistent. Employees have shared that they desire: 

• Career pathways with development and training that support upward mobility

• Ongoing supervisory training

• Stronger communications with managers/workgroups 

• Mentoring and networking opportunities, which would support institutional knowledge and 

employee development 

• Opportunities for onboarding and off-boarding improvements

• Increased outreach to identify/locate new and diverse talent

• Advancement opportunities aimed at retention

• Sufficient resources for human capital management

• Development of agile and flexible processes, systems and policies

The Human Capital Strategy Working Group will take all of the information gathered from employees 

throughout the agency and will develop a plan to address the concerns highlighted. Their effort will 

outline a vision and plan for how the AOC hires, trains, promotes career growth and seeks to retain 

employees over the next five years. As progress continues on this very exciting initiative, information 

will be shared on Compass and through future Tholos articles.
6 ORGANIZATIONAL TRANSFORMATION 

AOC UNIVERSITY: TRAINING FOR THE FUTURE

Once we hire the right people for the job, we want them to thrive at the AOC. 

Training and development will be ongoing so our employees learn the skills that will 

prepare them to advance in the agency. 

This summer, we conducted an internal survey to determine training and 

development needs throughout the agency. Survey results show that the greatest 

interest in training and development is within the trades. We are taking a deeper 

look at the results to learn more about what employees are looking for. 

CULTURAL BEHAVIORS TRANSFORMATION: CREATING 

THE ENVIRONMENT WE WANT

Of all the Big Rocks, Cultural Behaviors Transformation is most dependent on the 

people of the AOC. While values like respect can be promoted by AOC leadership, 

how our values show up day-to-day depends on everyone in the organization. 

To date, 468 AOC employees have engaged in employee engagement sessions 

aimed at building a positive workplace culture, learning about topics such as:

• Understanding culture and how to support an engaged and empowered 

workforce

• Resolving conflict through conversation

• Strengthening leadership 

• Building and maintaining workplace trust 

• Assessing the impacts of the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021

Participating in the engagement sessions helps us improve the overall employee 

experience. Together we can make the AOC a great place to work.

Please feel free to visit Compass or reach out by email to ask any questions or learn 

about opportunities to support and participate in the organizational transformation.
THOLOS | VOLUME 20 7

how our 

values show 

up day-to-day 

depends on 

everyone in the 

organization
8 

Photo by Thomas Hatzenbuhler
THOLOS | VOLUME 20 9

INTERNING DURING COVID

EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHTS

WRITTEN BY MORGAN GREEN

Every year the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) hires 

numerous summer interns. However, due to the 

COVID-19 pandemic, the AOC did not run an 

internship program in 2020 and could only 

accommodate 23 interns this summer, most of 

whom teleworked. The highly sought after 

internship program, which typically runs for 12 

weeks beginning in June, saw smaller orientation 

groups and fewer opportunities for interns to 

network and socialize. One of the most popular 

internship programs that kick-starts every AOC 

summer, the scavenger hunt, did not take place 

this year due to COVID-19 safety measures. 
10 EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHTS

The AOC internship program is designed to give students a hands-on approach to gain real-world experience. It 

provides the opportunity for students to gain practical and professional skills in trade jobs and office positions alike. 

Additionally, students can choose to apply for internships beyond their courses of study to step outside their 

comfort zones and expand their skill sets. This summer, many AOC interns navigated the challenge of gaining 

experience and networking while working remotely. Despite not being able to congregate and socialize, the AOC 

interns made the most of their experiences. I interviewed a few of them to hear what the internship experience was 

like during a pandemic.

KITERRA SCOTT, PAYROLL AND 

PROCESSING BRANCH, OFFICE CLERK

Kiterra Scott, a rising sophomore at St. Mary’s College of Maryland studying 

psychology and neuroscience worked as an office clerk in the Payroll and 

Processing Branch (PPB). Scott worked remotely most days and came in to 

assist her PPB colleagues sporadically. Scott was offered an intern position 

as a garden laborer last summer and was disappointed when the AOC 

internship program was canceled due to COVID-19. Despite working 

remotely, Scott stayed in close contact with her PPB colleagues to ensure 

AOC employees received great customer service. 

“My teammates hosted a virtual meet and greet when I onboarded to 

welcome me and it was fun meeting everyone.”

MELANIE SKAHEN, CURATOR’S DIVISION, 

OFFICE CLERK

Melanie Skahen is a rising senior at the University of Mary Washington 

studying historic preservation. Skahen, who previously interned with the 

Curator’s Division in 2019, was thrilled to be accepted back into the internship program for another summer. Skahen was tasked with working on an 

artwork redistribution project. 

“This summer, there are fewer research requests than there were two years 

ago that need to be filled just because people are teleworking and there 

aren’t any visitors in the Capitol. My favorite thing about interning this year 

has been coming into the office. I’m grateful to be working in an office 

setting as opposed to working at home. Every time I get off the Metro and 

cross Independence Avenue, I walk up to the Capitol and it’s like I’m seeing 

it for the first time.” 

Photo by Thomas Hatzenbuhler

Photo by Thomas Hatzenbuhler
THOLOS | VOLUME 20 11

JOHN PAUL SMITH, POLICY AND SPECIAL 

PROGRAMS DIVISION, OFFICE CLERK 

John Paul Smith, a rising senior at Salisbury University studying political 

science served as an office clerk for the Policy and Special Programs 

Division. Smith previously interned in the Office of the Chief Financial 

Officer in 2018. This summer, Smith has worked closely on budgeting and 

policy requirements in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer. 

“In 2018, there were a lot more interactive programs. I really enjoyed the 

intern lecture series so there has been significantly less time to network with 

other interns this summer, but it has been a great experience so far.”

AUBREY STEWART, OFFICE OF SAFETY AND 

CODE COMPLIANCE, OFFICE CLERK

Aubrey Stewart, a rising senior at Millersville University studying occupational safety and environmental health worked as an office clerk in the 

Office of Safety and Code Compliance (OSCC). Stewart’s professor suggested 

that she apply for the internship and take advantage of the remote position 

as she lives in Pennsylvania. Stewart was responsible for reviewing incident 

report sheets and analyzing data. By analyzing incident report data, OSCC 

can identify current trends to help reduce workplace injuries in the future. 

One advantage to remote work, there is a level of unspoken independence 

that pushes Aubrey to work harder. 

“It’s nice having a level of independence in the workplace while also having 

colleagues I can reach out to for assistance. It would’ve been nice to be on 

campus this summer to get hands on experience, but it’s been great because 

if not for teleworking, I may not have been able to do this internship.”

THE AOC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IS DESIGNED 

TO GIVE STUDENTS A HANDS-ON APPROACH 

TO GAIN REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE. 

Photo provided by John Paul Smith

Photo provided by Aubrey Stewart
WHAT SUSTAINABILITY

 MEANS TO THE AOC

SPOTLIGHT ON SUSTAINABILITY

W R I T T E N BY T H E S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y, E N E R G Y 

AND WATER BRANCH

The Capitol campus contains an intricate network of buildings, 

infrastructure and thousands of people who work in or visit 

the properties managed and maintained by the Architect of 

the Capitol (AOC). The agency has developed a commitment 

to sustainability within this same complex matrix of buildings, 

infrastructure and people. 

The AOC’s practices in the design, construction, maintenance 

and preservation of our nation’s cultural assets epitomize 

sustainable development. We believe that sustainable 

buildings can be maintained indefinitely and exemplify the 

potential for significant resource conservation. 

12 
The AOC focuses on energy conservation, which saves utility expenses, allowing savings to be reinvested into our 

buildings and infrastructure. The AOC has used energy savings performance contracting and energy savings over 

the past 12 years to fund more than $200 million in building and infrastructure energy improvements. These 

investments have resulted in reduced long-term energy demand and reduced greenhouse gas emissions across 

Capitol Hill. 

THOLOS | VOLUME 20 13
BUILDINGS AND LANDSCAPES 

The AOC is responsible for the operation and care of more than 18.4 million square feet of 

facilities, thousands of works of art including sculptures and paintings, more than 570 

acres of grounds and a fleet necessary to support operations. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Exceeded agency goals to achieve a 50 percent energy intensity reduction by 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and a 35 percent greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 

 FY 2021 

• Provided employee training to address building controls operations and 

maintenance skills gaps to support more comfortable and efficient buildings 

• Converted major legacy building mechanical systems to state-of-the-art, 

direct digital control systems to support occupancy comfort and energy 

conservation goals

• Formulated custom building energy efficiency plans with targets and longterm reduction goals that measure performance and support long-range 

energy reductions

• Used retrocommissioning throughout our energy conservation program to 

 periodically retune buildings and bring them back to peak efficiency

• Maintained over 4,600 trees that provide eco-benefits worth $250,000 to the Capitol 

Hill community

• Implemented Sustainable SITES Initiative® practices on new landscaping projects

• Installed and maintained green roof structures on buildings in the House Office Buildings, 

Senate Office Buildings, U.S. Botanic Garden, and Library Buildings and Grounds jurisdictions 

that reduce building stormwater runoff and reduce summertime cooling demands

INFRASTRUCTURE 

Across Capitol Hill, architects, engineers and technicians design, enhance and maintain new and historic 

structures, spaces and building systems. Employees in various trades such as electricians, mechanics, 

gardeners, masons and carpenters maintain the buildings and infrastructure. 

Over the last 15 years the AOC has reduced its energy intensity level by more than 50 percent. As a result of these 

energy savings, the AOC building-related greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by 40 percent. The AOC 

uses U.S. Department of Energy calculations and tools to validate and track these energy intensity and greenhouse 

gas emission reductions. 

The AOC focuses and carries out its sustainability and energy conservation efforts through three primary channels: 

Buildings and Landscapes, Infrastructure and People.

14 SPOTLIGHT ON SUSTAINABILITY
ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Implemented a utility energy service contract and completed the construction of a cogeneration system that 

provides more efficient production of electricity and steam heat 

• Renewed the Capitol Power Plant Refrigeration Plant, which resulted in significant efficiency and reliability 

improvements for the chilled water system that supports Capitol campus air conditioning systems 

 • Focused on maximizing the use of free cooling, which uses lower outdoor air temperatures to meet 

year-round cooling demand for spaces like data centers and IT closets, which has improved Capitol 

Power Plant efficiency and saved resources 

• Installed advanced utility meters to support energy conservation strategies and created a utility data 

enterprise system that summarizes hundreds of utility meter readings throughout our infrastructure

• Implemented an advanced data analytics building automation monitoring system that data mines thousands 

of energy-related building systems to highlight inefficient operations

PEOPLE 

The AOC employs over 2,200 full-time employees, serves 30,000 tenants and welcomes nearly 5 million 

visitors annually. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Created a new digital control technician job series targeting growth and skill development 

for entry-level technicians through senior leader mechanics

• Strengthened recycling programs by following best standards and practices to maximize 

waste reduction; AOC jurisdictions increased diversion rates and improved communications and engagement in recycling programs, especially with vendors and visitors

• Developed a comprehensive scrap metal recycling program, which produces 

revenue that is reinvested back into energy conservation and recycling initiatives

• Diverted 10,000 tons of construction and demolition debris from the landfill, 

recycling 98 percent of all construction debris generated; this volume is equivalent to 1,600 construction debris dumpsters

• Executed a sustainable cleaning and a vendor-managed inventory contract to 

provide certification training for labor/custodial and other trade shops to meet 

Green Seal and Cleaning Industry Management standards; the Green Seal program 

supports a more sustainable building environment by adopting green cleaning 

products and standards 

• Doubled the collection of outdoor recycling materials across Capitol Hill; annually, 

 2.1  million bottles and cans are recycled from the outdoor recycling containers 

• Instituted sustainable design standards for construction and renovation projects to support 

healthier indoor air quality and use of recycled-content materials 

THOLOS | VOLUME 20 15
Photo by James Rosenthal
THOLOS | VOLUME 20 17

Frederick Law Olmsted’s design of the U.S. Capitol Grounds 

created a landscape that appears to be naturally formed, even 

though the entirety of it was shaped according to his exacting 

designs. Amid the stately trees, colorful flower beds and verdant 

lawns, Olmsted created a hidden gem that is clearly not natural: 

the Summerhouse, which visitors delight in to this day.

This quiet brick grotto is embedded in the slope northwest of 

the U.S. Capitol Building and skillfully blended into the pastoral 

landscape by careful plantings. A welcome retreat from the 

noise and bustle of the surrounding streets, the shade and water 

provided by the Summerhouse still serve the purpose Olmsted 

intended them to.

OLMSTED’S NEVER-BUILT RETREAT

STORY OF THE U.S. CAPITOL’S SOUTH SUMMERHOUSE

FEATURE

WRITTEN BY FRANKLIN BRADLEY
18 FEATURE

Olmsted’s plans for a similar structure for visitors 

walking up from the southwest were never realized, 

perhaps due to criticism from some in Congress of the 

north Summerhouse. In 1881, F.H. Cobb, the engineer in 

charge of Capitol Grounds removed only one item from 

Olmsted’s budget request for the coming year: $3,000 

for a “Summer house on the south side.” Before it was 

cut from the budget, however, Olmsted had begun 

designing a south summerhouse; his sketches for it have 

been rediscovered.

Cobb might have been reacting to those who ridiculed 

Olmsted’s designs. Senator James B. Beck of Kentucky 

asked about the Summerhouse, to laughter that rang 

out in the Senate chamber, “What was that for? I heard it 

was built for a monkey house.”

Perhaps he was making a reference to the wrought iron 

gates that prevent visitors from entering at night, 

although Beck had already established his opposition to 

Olmsted’s designs. He called the fountains Olmsted built 

on the east side of the U.S. Capitol, “a couple of Dutch 

spittoons.”

Beck had likely seen the Summerhouse before it was 

blended into its surroundings. While it was under 

construction, the entire brick building was visible. Much 

of the completed structure would be covered by soil 

that matched the slope of surrounding ground or 

obscured by plants, vines and trees.

Thomas Wisedell, who oversaw construction of the 

Summerhouse, had anticipated a negative reaction. He 

observed that “criticism may be expected until the roof 

“There has been much complaint from 

the want of a resting place for those who 

walk from the bottom of the hill to the 

[Capitol] building,” Olmsted reported to 

Congress in 1880. “To meet this want, a 

structure is now being erected, designed 

to combine both drinking fountain and a 

secluded and cool retreat.”
THOLOS | VOLUME 20 19

is on as it will appear so uneven in its outlines that the 

Washington people will not understand it. They spoke 

of its mass and redness when I was there.” 

Wisedell knew that those concerns “will be lost in your 

planting,” but Olmsted estimated that it would take 

three years for the plants around the building to grow 

enough for people to see the full effect of his design.

The first impressions of the Summerhouse were likely 

fatal to Olmsted’s plans for a second such retreat and 

resting space for visitors in the landscape to the south of 

the U.S. Capitol. The rediscovered sketches are incomplete and intriguing, indicating a more open design with 

sheltered seating next to a pond. Some also seem to be 

studies of sightlines for the structure, reflecting 

Olmsted’s guiding principle for this design, which was 

that the central feature — the U.S. Capitol Building 

— was never obscured and was always framed as the 

focus of attention.

The Summerhouse, obscured by the plants, vines and trees of Olmsted’s original design, blends into the landscape. 

Photo provided by AOC Photo Branch
20 FEATURE

The surviving drawings give an idea of what Olmsted 

intended, including detailed lists of plants and locations 

to place them. They also appear to show that he would 

have preserved the symmetry of the grounds by placing 

the second structure in the same location to the south 

of the U.S. Capitol that the Summerhouse occupies to 

the north of the building.

It appears that Olmsted did not plan to create a mirror 

image of the brick structure, however. He explored 

various ideas for the unbuilt retreat, which would have 

been roughly triangular and bounded by three walkways. At one point, he appeared to consider placing 

seats across one of these paths, allowing the water and 

plants to fill the entire triangle. Olmsted’s final design 

for the south summerhouse showed all of the seats, 

pond and plants within the three paths around it, as is 

the case in the north Summerhouse.

Overall, the effect would have been of a naturally 

formed pond, emanating from a spring. What would 

have seemed to be the pond’s perimeter would have 

been made with retaining walls and other earthworks 

obscured by ivy and other plants. While Olmsted 

wanted to give visitors a sheltered spot for restoration, 

most important to him was that every element in his 

design would keep the focus on the U.S. Capitol 

Building. His plans were, he wrote, “in all respects 

subsidiary to the central structure.”

We can only speculate now about what wasn’t built. But, 

if the south summerhouse were as successful as the 

Summerhouse that was completed, it would have 

become another beloved element of Olmsted’s landscape, which matches the grandeur of the building 

it frames.

The view through the wrought-iron window grate into the lush overgrown grotto of the Summerhouse. Photo provided by AOC Photo Branch
THOLOS | VOLUME 20 21

Top (L-R) Olmsted‘s budget request showing a line through “Summer house on the south side.”; Letter from Thomas Wisedell to Olmsted 

regarding the summerhouse. 

Bottom: Plans showing details of the pond, pathways and plantings for the south summerhouse.
22 

COVID-19 REMINDERS

HEALTH UPDATE

Though you may be feeling “COVID fatigue,” it’s important to remain vigilant about safety 

to protect yourself and others. 

All AOC employees are encouraged to get vaccinated, which is one of the very best things 

anyone can do for their own protection and to promote the health and safety of our 

community. 

The Office of Attending Physician is offering COVID-19 vaccination appointments. To make 

an appointment, please call 202.225.VAXX (202.225.8299) between 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

RESOURCES FOR STRESS AND ANXIETY 

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, voluntary and confidential program that 

can assist you and other AOC employees as you work through stress and personal or 

professional challenges. Employees have access to TalkNow, which offers AOC employees 

immediate, 24/7 telephonic access to confidential, in-the-moment counseling support 

delivered by qualified behavioral health professionals, no appointment necessary. Access 

the website by visiting www.espyr.com and log in (upper right hand corner) using your 

password: aoceap. You can also request services by phone at 888.351.0027.

As always, there is no charge to employees for these services, and the program is 

confidential, with your right to privacy protected within the bounds of the law. 

To talk to someone associated with this program, call EAP at 202.226.2546. 
THOLOS | VOLUME 20 23

REMEMBER, YOU CAN TAKE ACTION BY PRACTICING 

THE THREE WS AND AVOIDING THE THREE CS.

WATCH

WASH

WEAR

C

C

C

ROWDED SPACES

LOSE CONTACTS

ONFINED SPACES

YOUR PHYSICAL DISTANCE. STAY AT 

LEAST 6 FEET FROM OTHER PEOPLE.

YOUR HANDS OFTEN FOR AT LEAST

 20 SECONDS.

A FACE COVERING WHILE ON CAMPUS AND 

IN PUBLIC SPACES. FACE COVERINGS WILL 

BE PROVIDED TO AOC EMPLOYEES UPON 

RETURN TO WORK ON-SITE.

AVOID
24 

KUDOS TO YOU

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

The Architect of the Capitol recognized the following employees in the winter and 

spring for their exceptional service. We could not meet our mission without you! 

Don Anderson 

Charles Apple 

Ashley Arevalo 

Melaku Banteamlak

Brian Beecher

Joe Bocianoski 

Willie Brown Jr.

Nina Bryant

Brian Carroll

John Cochin

Erica Cohen

John Coles

William Contee

William Cunningham

Laurence Dallaire

Roman Davydov

Maurice Dawson

Robert DiMichele
Pat Easton

Derek Falzoi 

Kristopher Foote 

Maurice Foxx

Jose Garcia

Jeff Hagan

Jennifer Henley

David Hicks 

Marlon Jefferson

Rachel Jenkins

Martin Jimenez

Claudia Jones

Dante Jones 

Linda Jones

Andrew King

Brian Kohler

Dinh Lam

Jeremy Lauer

Donald Lee 

Gary Leonard

LaVaysha Lewis

Brian Lindsey

Vincenzo Lusi

Arron Maxwell

THOLOS | VOLUME 20 25
Leonard Mbuko 

Shemika McCrae

Christopher Morris

Kevin Nathan

Calvin Newbill 

Joe Okes

Jennifer Rheaume 

Kendell Richardson

Ben Riffe

Omar Rivera 

Brian Roberson

Hajira Shariff

Pawan Sharma

Andy Shizak

Ray Slack 

Anthony Smith 

Greg Smith

Robert Somerville

Cedrick Stewart

Harry Thomas

26 
Adrian Toledo

Eric Walls 

Jeff Walters 

Robert Washington 

Stephen Watts

Lori Williams

Ronnie Williams

Cyndi Yocubik 

James Zibragos

Vladimir Zotikos

Team Awards

Capitol Grounds and 

Arboretum

Legislative and Public Affairs 

Training and Employee 

Development Branch

THOLOS | VOLUME 20 27
Legislative and Public Affairs

U.S. Capitol, Room SB-16

Washington, DC 20515

Tholos Volume 20

The Architect of the Capitol strives 

to meet its mission 24 hours a day, 

365 days a year to serve Congress 

and the Supreme Court, preserve

America’s Capitol, and inspire 

memorable experiences for all who 

visit the buildings and grounds.

Tholos is distributed by the Architect 

of the Capitol primarily for AOC 

employees. Questions regarding 

content and publication should be 

directed to AOC Legislative and Public 

Affairs at communications@aoc.gov, 

202.228.1793, or U.S. Capitol, Room 

SB-16, Washington, DC 20515.

JOIN AOC ONLINE:

Twitter.com/uscapitol

Facebook.com/architectofthecapitol

Instagram.com/uscapitol 

YouTube.com/uscapitol

www.aoc.gov

FRONT COVER PHOTO BY:

SEAN GREENE

BACK PHOTO;

For the 10th consecutive year, the 

Architect of the Capitol received the 

Association of Government Accountants’ 

prestigious Certificate of Excellence in 

Accountability Reporting for its Fiscal Year 

2020 Performance and Accountability 

Report.